81C announces groundbreaking lineup of art, education, and creative community experiences for Q1 of 2025, continuing to strengthen arts presence in the Virgin Islands.
81C is honored to begin 2025 with an exciting rotation of art exhibitions, artist talks, art education, and community engagement programs. Featuring a diverse array of artists and mediums, these programs continue a mission to serve as a platform for creative expression in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Highlights include:
1. ENTES –
Pop-Up Exhibition
On view now through Jan. 24
Focus: Known for his roots in graffiti art and socio-political commentary, Miami-based artist ENTES’ work examines identity, culture, and urban narratives.
Artist Bio:
Joan Jiménez is an internationally acclaimed artist with a storied career in street art, blending elements of graffiti and fine art to tell powerful cultural stories.
2. What Happens Happens – Closing Reception & Artist Talk
Event Date: January 10, 2025 / Time: 6-10PM
Panel Discussion Moderator: Neville James, WTJX Talk Radio Host.
Panelists: St Croix based artist Emily Braswell (strawberriemilk), Atlanta based artist Jenna Rees (warmmilkwithsugar, Miami based artist ENTES (Joan Jiménez), and Zack Zook, 81C creator and Executive Director of 81C Arts.
DJ = CarBar
Focus: A panel discussion / artist talk exploring strawberriemilk’s Good Luck, Have Fun exhibition and ENTES’ pop-up exhibition, current global art trends, and evaluating the concept of navigating life through acts of artistic mission.
“Good Luck, Have Fun” by Emily Braswell (strawberriemilk) is a vibrant exploration of color, digital aesthetics, and abstract landscapes inspired by personal experiences in St. Croix. ENTES – pop-up exhibition (on-view now) delivers international appeal by a primary 20-year veteran arts influencer of the Wynwood arts district in Miami.
3. Sacré Bleu – Resolution Twenty Five by W.B. Thompson
Opening reception Date: January 17, 2025 / Time: 5-10PM
Focus: This exhibition marks the artist’s reflection on his 35-year journey in art, the passing of time, and the continual renewal of creative resolutions.
Artist Bio:
W.B. Thompson, a mixed-media artist based in St. Thomas, is known for his bold colors, strong contour work, and reflections on contemporary life.
4. Analogous (uh·na·luh·gus) by Siyandi Matthias
Opening Reception Date: March 28, 2025
Time: 5 p.m.-Midnight
Focus: Exploring the intersection of technology, creativity, and environmental impact, Siyandi Matthias’ first solo exhibition challenges viewers to reflect on innovation and sustainability.
Artist Bio:
A St. Thomas native and multidisciplinary artist, Siyandi blends illustration, photography, and design, drawing inspiration from architecture and environmental themes.
5. Cocktails & Conversations
Event Dates: January 29th, February 26th, March 26th, April 30th.
In partnership with VI Crawl, 81C hosts the series Cocktails & Conversations as part of its VI Voices Program. The series celebrates moderated and open discussion community dialogues on culture, creativity, and storytelling, while presenting music performances and performance art throughout each event.
6. Expression Through The Arts – Youth Enrichment Program
Expression through the arts began as a summer camp during 2024 summer months and has grown into a year-round program. Instructed by Ms. Dyonna Potter, the Program provides a safe and supportive environment for participants to immerse themselves in the language and techniques of self-expression, expanding their social-emotional skills, and developing their artistic potential. It provides the opportunity for our youth to be exposed to local art as well as engage in critiques/discussion of the artwork created by themselves and their peers, allowing for an enriching and rewarding experience. Students are taught through a variety of mediums, focusing on drawing, painting, printmaking, photography and sculpting. The program includes creative writing as well as presentation/leadership opportunities to build a well-rounded art student. Participants have the opportunity for field trips to 81C Arts’ main gallery and pop-up venue located at 81C on Strand Gade to experience the organization’s Artist Dialogues Series, pairing presenting artists with students for discussions on the artistic process and art activities. Finally, open house/receptions are held throughout the year with students exhibited for the general public. This experience provides students, families, and teachers an opportunity to collectively share in viewing exhibited student artworks created during the program duration. The program is conducted at 81C Studio on Main Street, a sister location to 81C’s gallery location.
*Course dates scheduled for 2025 available for students are listed in the next sections of this press release.
7. 81C Sound – Music in Town
81C Sound is a music series launched in 2024 promoting primarily emerging community artists performing original work. Designed as “an antidote to overdone cover bands” the series has hosted Jelani Kendall, Leah Trotman with pianist Louis Taylor, former NBC’s The Voice contestant Paige Turner, amongst others. The series is scheduled to grow throughout 2025, accommodating up to four live music performances monthly. The series offers an intimate musician-audience experience with exclusive seating of thirty guests, and features a post-show mixer allowing guests to connect one on one with performers and build creative community discourse.
8. Custom Sip N’ Paint Group Bookings + Themed Public Events
81C has launched Sip N’ Paint group bookings and public events in collaboration with St Thomas craft and clothing brands ShroomBaby and LowKey. Private Sip N’ Paint bookings can now be scheduled for couples and groups, providing guests with a curated hands-on arts experience aligned with totally customizable guest vision for their party/group. Public themed Sip N’ Paint events resume in March. Group booking inquiries can be made through the 81C website.
